USOC moves to take over USA Gymnastics after scandal

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The Colorado Springs-based U.S. Olympic Committee is seeking to take over the operations of USA Gymnastics from its national governing body, following a slew of sexual assault allegations. The extreme move by CEO Sarah Hirshland was announced Nov. 5.

The action comes after dozens if not hundreds of gymnasts were sexually assaulted, many by a former doctor, Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after being convicted. Lawsuits also have been filed alleging USA Gymnastics failed to protect young gymnasts from predators. "This is a situation in which there are no perfect solutions," Hirshland said in the statement. "Seeking to revoke recognition [of the Gymnastics NGB] is not a conclusion that we have come to easily."

She added that in the long term, "it will be the critically important responsibility of the recognized Gymnastics NGB, whether the existing organization or a new one, to lead gymnastics in the United States and build on the supportive community of athletes and clubs that can carry the sport forward for decades to come. We are prepared to identify and help build such an organization."